Elton John donates to Laguna special-needs charity

Famed pop star Elton John has agreed to donate $25,000 to Glennwood House, a 42-room Laguna Beach housing development for special-needs adults that is expected to open by summer.

Glennwood needs about $350,000 for the estimated $1.2 million project, board President Randy Larson said, and John's donation will help with renovation and rehabilitation of the charity's building at 2130 S. Coast Highway.

A future resident has a great aunt who works for John. The Glennwood Housing Foundation sent the singer a letter Sept. 9 asking for his help in developing the property, a former assisted-living facility. The new facility is intended for adults with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism to live independently while getting specialized care.

John's Los Angeles-based publicist, Fran Curtis, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Larson said he was surprised by the donation.

"I have visions of art and a piano up there," Larson said with a laugh. "Maybe he can swing by someday and put on a little concert. It's very appreciated."